A clinical audit to improve orthodontic assessment in primary practice

Objectives: Maxillary canines are often not palpated at an early stage in primary practice and malocclusions are often detected when paediatric patients are in the late mixed dentition. These cases should be identified at an early stage so that appropriate measures can be put in place to address the issues effectively. The aim of this audit is to review the effectiveness of a newly implemented protocol with a focus on the palpation of canines at the age of 9 onwards to ensure appropriate special investigations and follow-ups are made.
Methods: We audited 80 patients aged between 9-12 from September 2018 to February 2019. Data collected from the clinical records included assessment of maxillary canines, any further investigations taken, and follow-ups made. Patients whom had erupted maxillary canines were excluded. Approval was sought from the practice manager and principal to conduct a retrospective and prospective analysis of patient records.
Results: Records show 55% of patients had their canines palpated before implementation of the protocol, and 100% of canines were palpated after implementation of the protocol. We also noticed a 14% increase in follow-ups recorded in patients after the implementation of the protocol.
Conclusions: Upon implementation of the protocol, audited patients had a thorough orthodontic assessment in regards to palpation of canines and appropriate follow-up and special investigations were taken. This highlights the success of the protocol resulting in appropriate assessment and palpation of canines in patients aged 9 onwards to ensure a thorough assessment and examination of patients from an early age.